Cold and wild at Olcott Lions Swim for Sight

Brutal cold temperatures and a brisk wind made clearing the ice
from the Lake Ontario waters nearly impossible, as the chunks kept backing
up. All said, a total of 573 intrepid swimmers made their way over the ice for
a quick dunk through the floating chunks of water - all under the watchful eyes
of the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue and Olcott Volunteer Fire Co.

Swimmers netted
between $15,000 and $20,000 for Olcott Lions Club Swim for Sight programs.

Kelly Shoemaker, 19, of North Tonawanda, was chosen as the
2013 Polar Bear Queen, besting a field of 18 daring contestants. Up on the
street, participants found food, coffee and hot chocolate to complement the
host of other libations that kept everyone fueled up. (photos by Terry Duffy
and Wayne Peters)